Fatal Car Crash in Canada Kills Filipino Man and Mother-in-Law, Asking for Help

A Filipino family from Lethbridge is in mourning after a fatal car crash around 9AM last Sunday near the central Alberta town of Olds.

The crash along Highway 2 near the Highway 27 overpass claimed the lives of Leo Palencia and his mother-in-law, Del Plantinos, while his wife Ellen and 2 children suffered serious injuries.

Ellen’s mother has just visited Canada from the Philippines to spend time with her daughter’s family. The Palencia family were on their way back home from a short visit to Edmonton when the crash happened.

According to investigators at the scene, the crash was a result of one vehicle which “left the road surface and came to rest against the overpass.” RCMP is continuing to investigate the cause of the crash.

“It’s really shocking hearing the news,” said Regina Lopez from the Filipino Canadian Association of Lethbridge.

“All of us at Ellen’s work are really in shock and heartbroken with this tragic incident,” Ellen’s co-worker and friend Angel Doreza said.

A social media post last Monday updated the status of the Palencia Family in part: “Ellen just went in for surgery for her badly injured right leg. Her oldest son is still in ICU with a broken sternum. Can use lots of prayers for Ellen at this difficult moment.”

To help them in this most difficult moment, a GoFundMe has been set up to raise money for the family. The GoFundMe states, “This money will be used towards the funeral and cost of sending the bodies to our home country (Philippines). And also for some more medical expenses that Ellen and her sons will need.”

Any type of support will be greatly appreciated so if you want to reach out to the family, visit the GoFundMe campaign through this link